How to become a policy analyst
Analyse policies and their effects to direct government and organisation programs and operations.
What does policy analyst do?
Policy analysts analyse policies and their effects to direct government and organisation programs and operations. They offer strategic policy and planning advice for organisations and should have excellent analytical abilities and an understanding of organisational policies and objectives.
Duties and tasks
- Analyse anticipated impact and financial circumstances, effect on other programs and political and administrative achievability of policies.
- Evaluate existing policies and legislation to ascertain inconsistencies and out-dated requirements.
- Implement and oversee research and analysis projects to evaluate socio-economic and commercial trends with organisations expectations of programs and services.
- Prepare analyses of policy options for organisations as well as recommendations for policy development and modifications.
- Serve as a reference and expert in the field on policy, program and legislative matters, working with government officials and stakeholders.
- Work with other Managers and Board Members to outline goals and objectives and develop strategic policies to meet those objectives.
Related jobs
- Education officer
- Foreign affairs and trade officer
- Parliamentarian
- Policy advisor
- Policy and planning manager
- Project and program administrator
- Research officer
- Research and development manager
- Resource economist
- University lecturer
Discover related degrees
Master of Business Administration (Government) (Online)
PostgraduateUOC-BAG-MAS
Build your leadership edge in government
Deepen your expertise in policy, strategy and public sector leadership. Learn to influence decisions and manage complex challenges. Apply your skills to real-world problems through an industry project. Lead change across government and enterprise.
- Study method
- 100% online
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Government)
PostgraduateUOC-BAG-GCE
Build your skills for working in government
Understand how programs and processes work in the Australian Government. Build practical skills to contribute effectively in public sector teams. Explore policy, legal frameworks, and budgets. Continue your study with a UC MBA.
- Study method
- 100% online
Graduate Diploma in Prevention and Responses to Gendered Violence
PostgraduateQUT-PGV-GDI
Make meaningful change in violence prevention
Become a trauma-informed practitioner in social work, policy, and policing. You’ll build a practical, skills-based approach to address gendered violence in all its forms. Strengthen prevention efforts and improve responses across communities and justice systems.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance
PostgraduateQUT-PGO-GCE
Learn how government works and start shaping public policy
Explore the policy cycle – including drafting submissions, analysing data and evaluating outcomes. Learn to navigate Australia’s political and governance systems. Gain the skills and confidence to well-informed policy recommendations.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Discover related subjects
Global Food Security and Resource Governance
UndergraduateUNE-LAW213
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 22 Feb 2027
UndergraduateTAS-HPP302
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 5 Jul 2027
UndergraduateMUR-POL246
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 26 Jul 2027
UndergraduateLTU-LCR2003
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Mar 2027

Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
- Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
- Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
- Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources

Criminology jobs and career pathways in Australia
Explore criminology careers in Australia, from policy and advocacy to research and corrections. See where a criminology degree could lead.

What is criminology? Your introduction to the field
New to criminology? Learn what the field studies, why crime happens, what criminologists do and how this knowledge can shape policing, policy, justice and prevention.

Law internships and work experience: how to get started
Wondering how law students gain practical experience? Here's how internships, clerkships and other opportunities work, when they happen and how they can help launch your legal career.

How to study law online in Australia
Law course specialist Luan Koay is here to tell you everything about studying law online, including what it's like, how it differs to the on-campus experience, and which courses you can access.